Dalmane Addiction Treatment That Actually Works

Dalmane is a popular brand name for the drug flurazepam, a benzodiazepine sedative similar to Restoril, Valium, and Xanax. Dalmane is also considered a hypnotic-class drug, and it is commonly prescribed for short-term management (i.e., 1 to 2 weeks or shorter) of insomnia.

Benzodiazepine drugs like Dalmane affect the brain and central nervous system by increasing the effect of a neurotransmitter chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This increased effectiveness of GABA suppresses sensory excitation and communication between nerves in the brain and body, resulting in reduced anxiety and tension, drowsiness, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment.

Besides changing the way GABA works, Dalmane also causes a larger-than-normal release of dopamine (one of the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals), which brings on feelings of euphoria and relaxation. With repeated use, the body starts to build up a tolerance, meaning users need to take more and more to get the same effects. Over time, the brain will start to depend on the drug to function normally.

As a result, when long-time Dalmane users suddenly stop taking it, their brains are unable to properly utilize natural levels of GABA and release dopamine. Without enough of these neurotransmitters, the brain and nerves get highly sensitive and agitated, which causes the worst of the withdrawal symptoms.

Physical and mental withdrawal symptoms typically set in within a day following the last dose due to flurazepam’s long-acting nature.

Factors such as how long a person used and how large of a dose they were used to mean that withdrawal symptoms are going to vary from user to user, but they may include:

• Increased anxiety and nervousness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Muscle spasms/tension
• Intense sweating
• Memory issues
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

One of the major issues facing someone who wants to stop taking Dalmane after taking it for a long period of time is rebound insomnia, which is the re-emergence of insomnia symptoms that were either absent or under control while the person was using the medication.

The most effective way to treat Dalmane withdrawal is with a combination of medically supervised detox and psychological support to help the patient learn how to cope with acute stress and anxiety.

Medical detox for Dalmane addiction usually involves substituting the drug with another similar medication like Valium, then slowly tapering down their dose under careful medical supervision. Gradually reducing the amount of medication in their system allows the body to better adjust without inducing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physicians may also prescribe other medications, including antidepressants or beta-blockers, which have been shown to alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms.

Dalmane is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, so its effects wear off fairly quickly, and withdrawal symptoms typically set in as soon as the drug is out of a user’s system – about 12-20 hours after the last dose.

The amount of time a person will experience withdrawal symptoms depends on individual factors like how long they’ve been taking it and at what dosage, but the typical timeline looks something like this:

Initial withdrawal phase (~1 – 4 days) – Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Acute withdrawal phase (~4 days – 2 weeks) – This phase is where most people experience the worst symptoms and are at risk for things like seizures that require close medical supervision.

Post-acute withdrawal phase (~2 weeks – months, years) – Duration and severity of post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary greatly, especially if there are underlying psychological issues such as anxiety or panic disorder.

Dalmane abuse can result in a number of unpleasant side effects, including:

• dizziness
• drowsiness,
• memory problems
• loss of coordination and muscle control
• confusion and cognitive problems
• nervousness
• anxiety
• unusual thoughts or behavior
• decreased inhibitions
• new or worsening depression
• hallucinations

One of the biggest dangers associated with any form of benzodiazepine abuse is the way these drugs interact with other substances that depress the central nervous system.

Many users report combining benzodiazepines with alcohol and opioids, which can amplify the effects of both substances – profoundly impairing short-term memory, judgment, and coordination, as well as increasing the chances of accidental injury and/or overdose.

The exact signs and symptoms of chronic Dalmane abuse vary by the individual, but often include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleeping for long periods of time
• Impaired thinking and judgment
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Short-term memory loss
• Sluggishness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Delirium

Chronic Dalmane abuse may lead to changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work performance. Users with anxiety/panic disorders often experience a rebound effect once the medication wears off, leading to extreme anxiety symptoms.

Overdosing on Dalmane is possible if taken in excess of the prescribed maximum dosage, and the likelihood of a severe or fatal overdose increases when it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

High doses of benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Coma